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Public hearing scheduled in Ontonagon

ONTONAGON — School financing was a topic at the special board meeting on Wednesday, from state funding and passing a resolution to support adequate funding for Michigan schools to local school financing. On a local level, it will be on June 24 that the board will go over the 2019-20 general fund and hold a public hearing.

“The public hearing is a special meeting we hold prior to our regular meeting,” said Ontonagon Area Schools Superintendent/Principal Jim Bobula. “It is the last Monday in June. We don’t know what changes we will have. Right now the Governor’s budget is favorable for schools. It changes when it goes through the House and the Senate. Sometimes for the good, sometimes not so good.” Bobula stated that is why they wait till the end of June to hold the budget hearing.

In regards to next year’s school calendar, the first day of school will be on Aug. 27 and the final day being on June 4. The last day of school this year will be June 12, with early dismissal for the students. Teachers will be there all day.

This year’s baccalaureate was on Wednesday, with graduation commencement having taken place Friday at 7 p.m. in the gym.

“The board gave kudo’s to the students, and the graduating seniors,” Bobula said. “They done remarkable things in their time at the Ontonagon School. This group is a bit unique. They are a good group of kids.

“Kudos to our seniors. (It) will be interesting watching to see where they go from here.”

“We look forward to what the graduates will accomplish after they leave high school,” said Nancy Mattson. “Hopefully they can bring back some good things to Ontonagon.”

Board member Julie Kolpack thanked Cindy Myhren for Operation Graduation. This took place right after Friday night’s graduation and running till 3 a.m.

Bobula reported on this year’s sixth grade student outing at Camp Nesbitt. While the camp did not offer the “high rope” program, Bobula stated the camp was a success.

“They take part in Gun Safety, Hunter Safety, Boater and ORV Safety,” he said.

Angelo Lupino was given the contract on the second bathroom renovation. Lupino was the only general contractor that provided a bid. Lupino’s bid was accepted at $94,368.00.

In addition to filling a vacant board seat, the district will be posting the position of head varsity boys basketball coach, which went along with the resignation of Andy Borseth.

The board will be making a decision at an upcoming meeting regarding filling the custodial position. This is with the resignation of Terry Syndram.

“Terry’s been an important part of the district, as he has worn many hats through his years,” Bobula said. “He’s done a lot of good things for the district.”

It is not known at this time when this position will be posted as the board will consider different options with the position.

Chuck Zielinski was hired for the driver education program.

“This is contingent on numbers of students participating in the program,” said Bobula. “We’re pretty sure we’ll have the numbers to hire Chuck.”

The board went over clarifications as to the rules for the program.

Bob Graham was the only one bidding on lawn care. Graham’s bid and accepted cost for the summer is $3,300. An overnight trip request from Adam Spaulding for the golf team to compete in the U.P. Finals golf tournament in Escanaba next week was approved.

At Wednesday’s Board Meeting, every item on the agenda that was recommended by Bobula received unanimous support, with all the motions being made by Karen Jackson. The only topic to have any discussion was a few comments from Mattson commending Bobula on the superintendent’s evaluation and Kolpack’s comments about Operation Graduation.

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